Out Film CT Reveals Complete Lineup for the 36th Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival Oct. 6-15 in Hartford
Out Film CT announced the complete lineup of the 36th Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival. RunningOctober 6-15, 2023 in Hartford, CT. The 2023 edition of the festival features 100 films across a combination of 28 in-person and virtual programs. As is tradition, the offerings range from full-length narrative features, documentaries, and wildly diverse short films. Movies hail from 27 different countries across 5 continents.
All films will be screened at Cinestudio on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford unless otherwise noted. In addition, tickets or festival passes are required for admission unless otherwise noted.
36th Annual Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival – In-Person Events:
Almost all in-person feature films and documentaries are preceded by a short film. Longer film descriptions and complete short film program offerings are available on the festival’s website, OutFilmCT.org. Select films are also available virtually as noted.
Friday, October 6 at 7pm
Opening Night Film – Egghead & Twinkie
Film followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and the Opening Night Party.
Twinkie is a young lesbian-in-training who cons her sweet, platonic friend Egghead to accompany her to Dallas for a massive blow-out lesbian party where she hopes to hook up with the object of her desire.
Saturday, October 7 at 3pm
Holding Space for Each Other: New London’s LGBTQ+ Community
This screening event is free and open to all.
While many people have fond memories of summer excursions to Ocean Beach Park, this documentary takes a look at another side of New London – the rich history of the LGBTQ community. Available online October 8 – 22.
Saturday, October 7 at 7pm
So Damn Easy Going
Joanna desperately needs her ADHD meds to keep her buzzy brain in order, but the family’s money has run out and she has to get very creative. Amidst all of this chaos, she becomes enthralled with a new classmate, the charming and confident Audrey. Available online October 8 – 22.
Saturday, October 7 at 9:30pm
The Lost Boys
Joe is about to be released from a youth detention center and is preparing for the freedom that he so desperately craves. But then William arrives and it’s a case of love at first sight. Joe is conflicted, having to choose between a second chance at life on the outside or staying behind bars with William. Available online October 8-22.
Sunday, October 8 at 3pm
1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted a Culture
What if the word ‘homosexual’ was never meant to be in the Bible? That’s the premise of this fascinating documentary that reveals an amazing surprise, discovered by a gay seminary scholar and a straight activist who delve into never-before-seen archival materials at Yale University.
Special Event!
Sunday, October 8 from 12pm to 2pm
Industry Mixer
Labyrinth Brewery (148 Forest Street in Manchester, CT). The event is free and no registration is required.
This event welcomes all those working in the film industry in Connecticut, providing an opportunity to network, share ideas, and relax in a friendly space. There will be an opportunity for people to introduce themselves, talk about their work and upcoming projects, and perhaps share their experiences of the ongoing Writer’s Guild and SAG/AFTRA strikes.
Sunday, October 8 at 7:00pm
We Are Family: Trans/Non-Binary Short Films
Powerful and affirming stories about the experiences of transgender and non-binary people, told with honesty, integrity and heart. Available online October 6 – 22.
Monday, October 9 at 7pm
Boy Oh Boy: Gay Short Films
Dating apps, nocturnal binges, fetish clubs, broken elevators, perfect and not-so-perfect boyfriends, and wartime love. What’s up with the boys this year? Available online October 6 – 22.
Tuesday, October 10 at 7pm
Herstory: Lesbian Short Films
From witches to baby butches, from wedding planning to breaking up, these are the extraordinary stories of famous women or just your average Céline or Mary. Available online October 6 – 22.
Wednesday, October 11 at 7:30pm
Centerpiece Film: Mutt
The film will be preceded by a free reception at 6:30pm.
Over the course of a single hectic day in New York City, Feña experiences an emotional roller coaster as three people from his past are thrust back into his life. While transitioning from female to male, Feña lost touch with these tpeople and now must navigate the new dynamics of old relationships. Available online October 12-22.
Thursday, October 12 at 7pm
All the Colours of the World Are Between Black and White
Bambino and Bawa met during a photography competition in Lagos and hit it off immediately. During many long photography trips around the city they develop a deep affection for each other. But in a society where homosexuality is strictly taboo, they feel the pressure of social norms.
Friday, October 13 at 7pm
Paloma
Paloma is a transgender woman whose most cherished dream is to marry her boyfriend Zé in a traditional church wedding. Unfortunately, the local priest refuses to marry them, forcing Paloma to confront her rural society. She suffers violence, betrayal, prejudice and injustice, but nothing shakes her faith and determination. Available online October 14 – 22.
Friday, October 13 at 9:30pm
The Judgment
Get ready to scream as a gay couple returns to Egypt for a family emergency, forcing them back into the closet and trying to pass as just friends. As the pervasive tension of dangerous homophobia rises around them, they begin to fear that they have fallen prey to witchcraft as punishment for their homosexual “sins,” causing a religious terror and exposing an unhealed past. Available online October 14 – 22.
Saturday, October 14 at 3pm at the Wadsworth Atheneum
No Place Like Home: Connecticut Shorts
We’re proud to showcase this special collection of films made in Connecticut or by creative people with a Connecticut connection.
This screening event is free and open to all. Available online October 6 – 22.
Saturday, October 14 at 7pm at the Wadsworth Atheneum
Closing Night Film: Glitter & Doom
Film followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and the Closing Night Party.
There’s fun for the guys and the gals in this fantastical summer romance featuring the iconic music of the Indigo Girls. With a “love at first sight” story focused on a charismatic musician and a carefree kid who wants to join the circus, it’s fun, romantic, and sexy.
Sunday, October 15 at 3pm
The Venus Effect
In this charming romantic comedy, Liv falls in love with the spirited and somewhat older Andrea, who claims to be suffering from stress. But in reality, Andrea is heartbroken and has sought refuge at her uncle’s apple plantation. Liv’s relationship with Andrea is the catalyst for divorce, lost friendship and crisis, but she comes to see that love is mutable, and families come in many forms. Available online October 16 – 22.
Sunday, October 15 at 7pm
Solo
Simon is a rising star of the Montreal drag scene who simultaneously faces disappointment from two impossible loves. First, there’s his passionate but destructive relationship with the sexy but manipulative Oliver. And then, there’s the strained relationship with his cold and distant mother Claire, who has returned after a 15-year absence and still makes everything about her.
36th Annual Connecticut LGBTQ Film Festival – Virtual Exclusives
In addition to the titles noted above with an asterisk, the following films and programs are virtual exclusives available via Out Film CT’s online viewing portal beginning October 6 through October 22 (a week after the close of the festival). With the exception of Holding Space for Each Other: New London’s LGBTQ+ Community and No Place Like Home: Connecticut Short Films, which are both available to view for free in-person or virtually, all virtual films or short programs have an admission fee of $13; $11 for seniors and students. Once a virtual film or shorts program has been started, viewers have 48 hours to complete watching. Virtual films and shorts programs are viewable strictly in the New England states and Westchester County, NY
Virtual Exclusives: Available online October 6-22
Breaking the Ice
Twentysomething Mira lives for the sport of ice hockey and leads her team as captain with a strong determination. A new player, Theresa, completely unsettles her with her nonchalance and openness. And when Mira’s missing brother Paul turns up, and all three get lost in late-night Vienna, Mira discovers what freedom feels like when you break the rules, reinvent yourself, and let yourself love.
Fireworks
A sunbaked Sicilian town in the summer of 1982 provides a vivid backdrop for this tender and romantic drama about two teenagers who are dangerously drawn to each other in a deeply homophobic society. As the two fall in love, the moral rumblings from their families and neighbors erupt. Based on a real-life incident that jump-started the Italian Gay Rights movement.
Simply Nina
Today is Nina’s big day. The day when she will no longer hide and will bravely tell everyone she no longer identifies as a boy. But the 8-year-old doesn’t realize how this decision will shake up her family, the neighborhood and the neatly trimmed front gardens of their picture-perfect suburbia.
Polarized
Lisa is a blue-collar aspiring songwriter who is forced to work at a local urban farm when the bank forecloses on her family’s farm. There she meets Dalia, a successful Muslim woman who has a position of responsibility in the family business despite pushback from her fiancé. Lisa’s casual racism leads her to get fired, but the women end up drawn into a passionate affair.
Lie With Me
This powerful and emotional drama centers on a prominent middle-aged novelist, Stéphane Belcourt, who visits his childhood town after 30 years and is flooded with memories of his first gay love. Filled with twists and surprises, this is an erotic, tender and heartbreaking film with gorgeous cinematography.
Triple Oh!
In this dark comedy-drama, a mismatched duo of lesbian ambulance drivers sometimes save lives, and sometimes not so much. Sassy, street-smart Taylor (Tayls) and her newbie, by-the-book partner Cate are constantly at odds with each other as they face the absurdity of life and death head on.
A Big, Gay, Hairy Hit! Where the Bears Are: The Documentary
A hilarious and touching documentary about three older gay bears working in Hollywood who tire of having their gay-themed ideas rejected by the mainstream and decide to produce their own web series which became one of the most successful web shows of all time.
Esther Newton Made Me Gay
Esther Newton has spent six decades writing about and forging queer communities. Her 1972 book Mother Camp: Female Impersonators in Americais noted as the first rigorous academic/anthropological study of queer community in modern history. This documentary is a rare look at queer history and gender studies through a living lesbian icon.
Virtual-only Short Films Programs
- World View: International Shorts – From Guyana to Taiwan, and Iran to Spain, we bring the world to you with great stories from all over around the globe.
- Beyond the Rainbow: BIPOC Shorts – Experience life’s joy, passion, love, struggle, loss, triumph and so much more, with this selection of stories from queer communities of color.
- We’re Coming Out: Youth Shorts – For younger people seeking stories that reflect their life and aspirations, or for the young at heart, this program has something for everyone.
- In Our Opinion: Committee Recommended – Committee members reveal their personal tastes in this eclectic blend of shorts they curated just for you.
Individual screening ticket pricing:
- In-person feature film or shorts program – $13, $11 for students or seniors
- Opening Night & Closing Night in-person films including post-show parties – $30
Festival pass pricing for 2023 is as follows:
- 5-Show Pass (individual, does not include Opening & Closing Night films) – $55
- 5-Show Pass (household, does not include Opening & Closing Night films) – $90
- All Access FestiPass (individual) – $150
- All Access FestiPass (household) – $225
Tickets and passes are on sale now at outfilmct.org.
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